Buenos Aires, Argentina - Argentina defeated New Zealand 34-31 in a thrilling rugby union test match on Saturday, marking their first victory over the All Blacks on home soil. The match, played in Buenos Aires, saw a series of lead changes and disciplinary issues that ultimately favored the Pumas.
The game began with Argentina taking an early lead through a penalty goal by fly-half tomás Albornoz, but his match was cut short soon after due to an injury. New Zealand responded with tries from center Billy Proctor and prop Fletcher Newell,establishing a 6-3 advantage.
A turning point came when new Zealand fullback Will Jordan received a yellow card for deliberate obstruction.Argentina capitalized on the numerical advantage, with flanker Juan Martín González scoring a try to level the score. Shortly after, All Blacks forward Tupou Vaa’i was also sin-binned for a deliberate knockdown.
Despite the two-man advantage, argentina couldn’t take the lead before halftime, with the score remaining tied at 13-13. in the second half,Argentina’s Joaquín Díaz Bonilla successfully converted two penalty kicks,extending their lead. Gonzalo García then added a try, following a strong run by Pablo Matera, pushing the Pumas ahead 26-13.
New Zealand attempted to mount a comeback with a driving maul try from Samisoni Taukei’aho, but their efforts were hampered by another yellow card, this time for wing Sevu Reece due to a deliberate foul. Argentina ultimately held on for the 34-31 victory.
This win marks a historic moment for Argentinian rugby, demonstrating their growing competitiveness on the international stage. The All blacks, traditionally a dominant force in the sport, will now look to regroup ahead of their next fixture.
